1. Alcohol and the Bloodstream
Within 5 minutes of consuming a drink, alcohol moves directly into the bloodstream where it is immediately measurable. Thirty to 90 minutes later, alcohol is at its highest level. The liver functions to break down alcohol in the body, but it needs time. For a 150-lb. person, the liver requires at least 2 hours to metabolize a beer or mixed drink. If you drink faster than the liver metabolizes, the excess alcohol will move to other parts of body such as the brain, which causes the feeling of inebriation. In cases of extremely low blood sugar where diabetes or hypoglycemia is present, alcohol consumption can be toxic to the nerves, sometimes creating severe and painful symptoms.
2. Risks of low Blood Sugar are High
Drinking causes blood sugar levels to drop. When this happens, the liver transforms stored carbohydrates into glucose to raise the level. It sends the glucose into the blood stream, helping to minimize a reaction to low blood sugar levels. Because of the toxicity of alcohol, the liver wants to clear it from the blood as fast as it can. When you drink on an empty stomach, the alcohol prohibits the liver from sending glucose to the system, which creates an especially dangerous situation for diabetics. Eating while you drink helps take the pressure off the liver by raising glucose levels.
3. Mixing Alcohol and Exercise
Mixing alcohol with exercise lowers blood sugar levels. Because exercise decreases blood sugar levels, after a vigorous workout, the body wants to replace the energy that your muscles used up. Alcohol inhibits the body from recovering blood sugar levels, so wait a while after your tennis match to down that beer with your companions. Let your glucose levels recover first.
4. Hypoglycemia and Intoxication
Alcohol can cause hypoglycemic reactions almost immediately after drinking and then up to 10 hours afterwards. If you have low blood sugar, check your glucose levels before drinking and then before you go to bed. Your level should be between 100 and 140 mg/dl. If your blood glucose level is low, eat something to raise it to a healthy level. Remember that the symptoms of too much alcohol and hypoglycemia are similar. If your hypoglycemic reaction is confused with intoxication, you might not get the correct treatment when you need it. For this reason it is essential that you wear an ID tag that lets people know that you have diabetes.
5. How to Drink Alcohol When you Have Diabetes
If you are diabetic, the first thing you should do is consult your health practitioner regarding drink intake. If you can drink, use sugar-free mixers such as club soda, diet tonic, seltzer or water. Light beer and dry wine or wine spritzers make good choices as they contain less alcohol and fewer carbohydrates and calories. Sip your drink slowly to make it last. Make sure you replenish your body afterwards with plenty of pure water.
